The embattled Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly Right Honourable Olakunle Oluomo says he is innocence of the N2.4billion fraudulent charges against him by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC in the ongoing trial before Federal High Court in Lagos
Oluomo who was granted bail by the court after perfecting the necessary conditions told members of staff who welcome him back on Friday to his office at the State House of Assembly complex in Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, that the house operates single account since 2019 under his leadership as the speaker, through which running cost and allowances of all members are paid including the impeached former Deputy Speaker, Dare Kadiri who was said to have written petition on the alleged financial misappropriation to the anti-graft agency
The speaker expressed confidence in the court that he would be vindicated at the end of the trial
"I maintain my innocence in the recent Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charges against me and I will want the court to decide because the hyperbolic nature of the petitions written by the impeached former Deputy Speaker, Dare Kadiri was also reflected in the charges", he stated
"By law, I am not the Accounting Officer of the House, for emphasis, the House under my leadership operates only one bank account since 2019, through which running cost and allowances are paid directly into the bank accounts of individual Honourable members and staff of the House including the petitioner", Oluomo maintained
"Also, charges 10 and 11 are for the Eighth legislature before I became the Speaker", he clarified
The speaker defended his refusal to honour the invitation by EFCC, accusing the agency of violating section 36 of the Constitution which is being challenged in court
"I also like to say that the refusal to honour the initial invitation of EFCC was because of the method adopted by EFCC is against section 36 of the Constitution and we challenged it in court, this is in the public domain as it was widely reported but the EFCC refused to wait for the pronouncement in that case before taking further steps, despite having joined issues with us in court."he explained
Oluomo however appreciated those who strongly believe in his leadership as someone who is discipline and upright
"I have always been disciplined and upright in my position, conducts and dealings with people, I shall continue to remain myself with truth and honour as my goal. I thank everyone that showed love and concern in the last few days. Thanks and God bless you all"
Speaking on behalf of the Assembly staff, the Chairman of the State chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Comrade Ayotunde Ojediran, said that the workers were happy to receive back to office, the Speaker, the Assembly Clerk, Mr. Adedeji Adeyemo and the Accountant, Mr. Samuel Oladayo.
He appreciated the members of staff for remaining resolute and keeping the House running while the trio were away.
Ojediran pledged the commitment and dedication of the entire workers of the House for the overall success of the ninth Assembly.
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